novation bass station ii price : $349.99

bass station ii is an analogue mono-synth based on the classic original bass station but re-worked for the 21st century. it has two filters, two oscillators plus a third sub-oscillator, patch save and a fully analogue effects section. add a step sequencer, arpeggiator, full sized keys and a powerful modulation section and you have the makings of a synth that is built for bass, but capable of so much more.

what is it?
bass station ii is an analogue mono-synth with a talent for bass, but a sound-engine that is versatile enough to kick out sharp leads and crisp arpeggios. it brings the best elements of the original bass station into a brand new design with re-worked modulation, effects, filters and more; like the bass station, but a much much bigger sound.

the signal path is pure analogue - including the effects section. the hardware has been laid out in modules with dedicated pots, switches, sliders and buttons for all major parameters. critically, you can store and recall patches on bass station ii. it comes with 64 killer factory presets, space for 64 of your own sounds on the hardware, and you can store more on your computer.

the key-mech consists of 25 full sized keys that are velocity sensitive with assignable aftertouch. it has been developed as a 'synth-action' keyboard, where each key is individually sprung so it is light to the touch and highly responsive to the synth engine. bass station ii is a fully class compliant midi device with midi i/o on 5 pin din ports - for connecting to other midi outboard - and with your computer over usb. you can even connect an external instrument and run it through bass station ii's analogue filter and effects.

specifications:
synth engine
oscillators
osc 1
osc 2
sub osc (3)
noise generator

osc 1 & 2
select between waveforms:
sine
triangle
sawtooth
square/variable pulse width

features
sync 1 & 2
detune
octave range
pitch bend
pitch modulation from mod envelope and/or lfo 1
pulse width modulation from mod envelope and/or lfo 2

sub osc (3) which is tracked to osc 1

select independently between waveforms:
sine
square
narrow pulse

features
all modulation and tuning tracked to osc 1
independent octave select

mixer
osc 1 level
osc 2 level
sub osc level
noise generator level
ring modulation depth
external signal level

filter
two filter types
acid type (diode ladder filter design)
classic type (derived from original bass station)

features
cutoff
resonance
overdrive
filter frequency to mod envelope depth
filter frequency to lfo 2 depth

select 'classic' filter between:
low pass
band pass
high pass
12db slope
24db slope

envelopes
two adsr envelopes (attack/decay/sustain/release)
amp envelope
mod envelope
combined control of both envelopes

select triggering mode between:
single trigger (holds envelope state when new note is played)
multi trigger (re-triggers with every new note played)
autoglide (engages portamento)

there is also a vca limiter

lfo
two lfos each selectable between:
triangle
sawtooth
square
sample and hold
both lfos independently adjustable between rate and delay time
key sync lfo 1 & 2
lfo slew on lfo 1& 2 (low pass filter on the lfo waveform)

effects
distortion send
oscillator filter mod amount (fm effect created by oscillator 2 modulating filter freq)

step sequencer/arpeggiator
arpeggiator
up to 32 different patterns
select between 1-4 octave range
swing function
select direction:
up
down
up / down 1
up / down 2
as played
random
latch (hold the arpeggiator)

step sequencer
up to four sequences
assign one of 32 preset rhythms or create your own
insert rests or legato (slide)
sequencer re-trigger function

portamento
adjust glide time
single trigger or re-trigger modes
integrate into step sequencer and arpeggiator

hardware & controller assignment
25 note synth-action keyboard
aftertouch can be assigned to modulate:
filter frequency
lfo 1to osc pitch
osc 2 speed
pitch wheel
modulation wheel can be assigned to:
lfo 2 to filter frequency
lfo 1 to osc pitch
osc 2 pitch
octave up/ down buttons
64 factory presets
64 slots for user patches (and patch dump facility for storing more)
master volume dial

inputs and outputs
usb midi (for connecting & powering bass station ii via host computer)
mono output on 1/4" trs jack
headphone output on 1/4" trs jack
external input on 1/4" trs jack
sustain pedal input on 1/4" ts jack
midi in / midi out ports on 5 pin din
dc power input
switch between power off / dc powered / bus powered

dimensions
18" wide x 10.75" deep x 3" tall

download the users guide here.